Dorsetís population grew by nine per cent between the 1981 and 1991 Censuses, requiring the boundary commissioners to make changes to the boundaries of all the seats in the county. Bournemouth itself grew by over six per cent in the 1980s.

It is estimated that some £250 million is spent annually by tourists in Bournemouth. Much of the industry is based in the constituency. Further west there are many smaller hotels and guest houses in Westbourne. In 1984 the Bournemouth International Centre was opened, allowing development of the 'out-of-season' conference trade. It is a building familiar to politicians, journalists and TV news watchers as a venue for the party political conferences. Neil Kinnock made his now legendary attack on Militant here in 1985 and Mrs Thatcher made her last conference speech here as well in 1990.

The Conservatives held this seat in 1997 with a majority of 5,710. The Liberal Democrats were the main challengers but required a swing of 12.6 percent to gain the seat. Labour remained in third place.